A MAJOR new initiative aimed at stopping vulnerable young people sliding into long term homelessness is recruiting volunteers.

Staff at the Guildford YMCA are preparing to launch Nightstop, a project designed to provide short term emergency accommodation for 16 to 19-year-olds as soon as they become homeless.

The charitable organisation is looking for local volunteers who are prepared to offer a spare room to a young person who has just become homeless and has been referred to the YMCA from agencies such as the police and social services.

During these first 24 hours alternative housing options will be considered and support provided.

Project organiser Joy Ahearn said: “We will be looking for a whole range of people, there is no one type of volunteer. They will need to have a spare bedroom, even if it is just occasionally, and they will need to be the kind of people who will give a warm welcome to a young person who could be scared and subdued, and often a listening ear if it is needed.

“For some people it is the last thing they would want to do but I think it will attract those who have an understanding or an empathy with young people who are in this situation.”

The first Nightstop was set up in Leeds in 1987, in response to local need. The concept has now been developed across the UK and by 2003, there were 40 Nightstop schemes.

Between 2002 and 2003, over 800 volunteers were involved in the project nationwide and almost 4,000 referrals were made on behalf of young people requesting accommodation.

Research with local agencies in and around Guildford identified 35 homeless 16 to 19-year-olds over the course of one year, a figure that does not include the hidden homeless, known as ‘sofa surfers’ as they move from one friend’s house to another.

All those who volunteer will need references, they will be checked for criminal records and will be given Nightstop training as well as child protection training.

Ms Ahearn added: “We won’t just be picking people up off the streets and putting them in people’s homes, and we certainly wouldn’t place anyone who was under the influence of drink or drugs, if we had any doubts we would not take the referral.”

For more information contact Joy Ahearn at Guildford YMCA on 01483 583555 or e-mail nightstop@guildfordymca.org.uk.